Rafael Fiziev has just booked the biggest fight of his life on 10 days’ notice.
The lightweight contender will rematch Justin Gaethje in a three-round co-main event at UFC 313 on March 8.
Rafael Fiziev got the fight after Dan Hoker withdrew because he broke his hand in sparring earlier this week.
Five bigger names rejected a late-notice call-up before Fiziev got the chance to pick up his first win since he sensationally announced himself as a title threat by knocking out former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos.
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Rafael Fiziev vs Rafael dos Anjos revisited
Fiziev boasted an 11-1 MMA record by the time he was booked to face Rafael dos Anjos in July 2022.
The 31-year-old had won five fights in a row since falling short in his UFC debut against Magomed Mustafaev.
Renato Moicano got knocked out and Brad Riddell was stopped with a spinning wheel kick during Fiziev’s sensational 155lb title charge, which included a unanimous decision win over perennial contender Bobby Green.
All of this was enough to earn him a five-round main event against an ex-champion on a winning streak.
Dos Anjos beat Moicano and Paul Felder before being matched up with the Kazakhstani knockout artist.
It was a clash of styles as Fiziev established an early lead with his slick striking and impressive takedown defense.
As the fight progressed, Dos Anjos began to get some success with his grappling attacks, which gave him a foothold in the fight heading into the fifth round after all three judges scored the fourth frame in his favor.
Ultimately, Fiziev proved he was the real deal by closing the show just 18 seconds into the final round.
A massive left hand shook Dos Anjos badly and he tumbled to the floor before taking two more punches.
The referee quickly stepped in to save him and Fiziev wheeled away to wildly celebrate a breakout victory.
Rafael Fiziev’s UFC hiatus
Fiziev hasn’t tasted victory inside the Octagon since beating Dos Anjos almost three years ago.
Gaethje edged him out by a majority decision when they traded blows at UFC 286 in March 2023.
A knee injury during his September 2023 fight with Mateusz Gamrot put Fiziev on a two-fight skid.
It was later confirmed he suffered a torn ACL and would be out of action for a considerable amount of time.
Fiziev was cleared to return one year later, but he’d been struggling to book an opponent for his comeback.
A rematch with Gamrot was rumored before he secured a much bigger fight with Gaethje at UFC 313.